The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1887-09-10
The Engineers Remedy.

My engineer, was grav-haired,
thick set man of fifty, quiet and I'M
obstusive, and deeply in love with
his beautiful machine. He had for
merIy run locomotive, and now
took stationary engine because he
could get no employment on the rail-
roads. A long talk with the super.
intendent of the road from which he
had been removed revealed only one
fault in the mans past life -; he loved
strong drink,
"He is" said my informant, "as
we'll posted on steam as any man on
the road ; he worked up from train
boy to fireman, from fireman to en-
gineer, has rendered US valuable SER
vices. has saved many lives by his
quickness and bravery; but he cam
not let liquor alone, and for that
reason we have discharged him."
In spite of this discouraging report
/ hired the man. During the first
week of his stay 1 passed through
the engine-room many times a day
in the course of my factory rounds,
but never found aught amiss. The
great machine ran as smoothly and
quietly as if It's bearings were set in
velvet the steel cross head. the
crank-shaft, the brass oil-cups refiec-
ted the morning sun like mirrors no
speck of dust found Judgement in the
room. In the "fire-room" the same
order and neatness prevailed; the
steam gauge showed even pressure,
the water gauges were just right. and
our daily report showed that we
were burning less coal than formerly.
The most critical inspection failed to
find anything about either the en-.
CINE or boilers that showed the faint
est symptoms of neglect or careless
ness.
Three weeks passed. The man
who had been recommended as
"good for five days work and then
two days. drunk" had not swerved
hair from his duty. The 'gossips
were beginning to notice and COM
ment upon the strange affair.
~ should like to speak with you a
moment, SIR" said he, one morning,
as 1 passed Though his sanctum.
"Well, John, what now ?" 1 said
drawing out my note book. "Cylin-
der oil all gomez"
Its about myself" he replied.
I motioned him to proceed.
"Thirty-two years ago 1 drank my
first glass of liquor" said the engi-
neer, land for the past ten years. up
to the last month, no week has past
without its Saturday night drunk.
During those years was not blind
to the fact that appetite was getting
frightful hold upon me. AT times
my struggles against the longing for
stimulants were earnest. My en-
ployers once offered me a thousand
dollars if / would not touch liquor
for three months, but lost it tried
all sorts of antidotes, and all failed.
My wife died praying that L might
be rescued, yet my promises to her
were broken within two days. l
signed pledges and Joined societies.
but appetite was still my master,
My employers reasoned with me,
discharged me. forgave me, but all
to no effect. IcoatId not stop, and l
knew it. When l came to work for
you / did not expect to STAY week :;
/ was nearly done for; but now :"
and the old mans face lighted up
with an unspeakabIe joy. sin this
extremity, when l was ready to
plunge into hell for a glass of rum, l
found sure remedy! I am saved
from my appetiten'
"What is your remedy 2"
The engineer took up an open Bible
that lay, face down, on the window
ledge. and read, 1.-THE blood of Jesus
cleanseth us from all sin. p Mistian.